The Massachusetts Hospice-Veteran Partnership, in affiliation with the Hospice & Palliative Care Federation, provides educational opportunities for hospice staff to increase their understanding of PTSD.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
A hospice may consider using these resources when caring for a hospice patient with PTSD symptoms:
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Several screening tools can be used to help assess PTSD (see attached for one example). Please note that such tools may not be useful in the case of veterans who are confused or unable to report on their own emotional state.
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The National Center for PTSD has a website with many resources regarding assessment, patient and family education, and treatment: http://www.ncptsd.va.gov
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According to a VA clinician with expertise in treating PTSD, veterans who receive a terminal diagnosis often want to:
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Make sure their story has been heard.
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Put the traumatic events into some sort of perspective in their lives.
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Deal with the effects that PTSD has had on their lives, such as mending relationships, giving and accepting closeness and affection, and getting affairs in order.
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Veterans who are enrolled in the VA Health Care System may be referred to their primary care provider for assessment and possible referral for PTSD mental health services. Eligible but un-enrolled veterans who remain ambulatory and are interested in outpatient mental health services may enroll at any VA Medical Center and request needed services. Veterans may also access supportive services at community Vet Centers (see contact numbers below).
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Hospice providers may contact VA PTSD clinics, or community Vet Centers, for information and consultation. Such consultation may be particularly helpful in the case of veterans who are homebound or otherwise too ill to access outpatient services.
